Read To Lead

Dear Friends,

A number of years ago I realized that successful leadership was tied to the discipline of reading. After many years in youth work and involvement in many aspects of leadership, I concluded that I had been neglecting my own personal growth by becoming too busy to read and reflect. Years in the action-packed environment of Washington, D.C. had left my soul barren.

So I began to take time to read. I was amazed at how refreshing and life-giving it was to be learning again! Taking the time to read was taking time to grow. I couldn’t afford not to grow. I was also re-learning a very important truth: One must read to lead. Good leadership comes through knowledge and wisdom.

Reading has always been directly related to leadership. In the Bible, when Daniel who became the equivalent of prime minister of Babylon, was groomed for his leadership role he was given the best education through “the writings of the Babylonians” (Daniel 1:4-6). Throughout Israel’s history, her greatness lay in her knowledge of and obedience to the sacred writings of God. Through meditation in those books (deeply reflective reading), people were promised success (Psalm 1:2,3). Abraham Lincoln became a great president through voracious reading—even by dimly-lit candlelight.

Reading is essential to leadership because knowledge is power (Proverbs 8:14). This has been true throughout history. Now, the Information Age is exploding upon us. If there was ever a time for us to read to be wise to give leadership to society, now is that time. We need to turn the TV’s and Play Stations off and re-arrange our priorities. But where do we begin?

We encourage you each month to look over the recommendations of the Read-to-Lead program so that you can be on the cutting edge of good leadership in the 21st century. Our world needs to be transformed with the truth. To do that, you must read to lead. There’s no other way.

Sincerely yours,
Ron Boehme

Author – Leadership for the 21st Century

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Each month we recommend books that are considered the best-of-the-best on leadership, historical and contemporary issues, and personal growth. You can then order those books from our YWAM bookstore or your favorite supplier—and read to lead!

Books of the Month

1. Looking for America—Re-discovering the meaning of freedom – Doug Simpson

An examination of the troubling myths and fables that shape our political worldviews as Americans. This book is the best treatise on personal and societal liberty that has been written in a long time. The chapter on the faith-based free enterprise system is worth the entire book. Doug Simpson is a political consultant in the state of Washington who has unlocked some vital keys to our future.

2. America Alone –The End of the World As We Know It – Mark Stein

From one critique: “Mark Steyn is the funniest writer now living. But don’t be distracted by the brilliance of his jokes. They are the neo lights advertising a profound and sad insight: America is almost alone in resisting both the suicide of the West and the suicide bombing of radical Islamism. Our best chance at survival is that Mr. Steyn has done our thinking for us and made it entertaining. Laugh? I thought I’d die.”

This is a brilliant analysis of the cultural suicide of Western civilization and what we must do about it.

3. Epicenter—Why the Current Rumblings in the Middle East Will Change Your Future - Joel Rosenberg

The politics of the Middle East can be murky and confusing. But one thing is increasingly certain: the eyes of the nations are riveted upon Israel and her neighbors, the epicenter of the momentous events shaking our world and shaping our future. Rosenberg is eerily prophetic. If you don’t believe in God, this book may persuade you.